The Word of God obeyed by the people of God makes God’s reputation in this world.
Deuteronomy 4:5-8
See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?
Some nations are unique because of their military might and successful battle campaigns.
Other nations stand out because of their natural resources, or their works of art.
Each nation has its own unique type of ethnic food.
But here, in this text, we hear about the main reason Israel was unique.
God is telling them that He is giving them His Word so that, in following it, they will be unique.
God is urging, “Hear and obey My Word so that you will be spiritually and morally unique in all the world. People will look at you and ask about Me.”
This is precisely what God wants us to be doing today. The New Testament insists on this in many places:
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Philippians 2:15
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
1 Peter 2:11-12
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.